How to prevent an electrical overload

DO THE LIGHTS IN YOUR HOME FLICKER, blink or dim? Are the switch covers warm to the touch? Do the circuit breakers keep tripping off? 

Don’t just shrug your shoulders in annoyance: take these seriously as warning signs of an electrical overload. 

An overload occurs when the home draws more electricity than a circuit can safely handle. An electrical circuit is designed to handle a limited amount of electricity. When it receives too much, it causes the circuit breaker to trip, shutting off the power to the entire circuit. Without a breaker in the circuit, an overload would cause the wires to overheat and start a fire. 

Besides the signs noted above, other warnings include burning odors from outlets or switches; crackling, sizzling or buzzing receptacles; getting a mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles or switches; and power tools, appliances or electronics that don’t seem to have enough power. 

Do not overuse extension cords. If you don’t have enough outlets, extension cords are not a long-term fix. Instead of using an extension cord for a temporary solution, call a licensed electrician who can install more outlets. 

Check the circuit panel 

If you spot an overload, locate your circuit panel, usually found in the basement or a garage in most homes, and check to see if any of the switches in the panel have been tripped or partially tripped. Then turn them off and back on again. If this reoccurs or happens when an extension cord is not plugged in, call a licensed electrician for help. 

It’s a good idea to map your home’s circuits to ensure you are not loading too much on one circuit. Start by checking each breaker against what it is supposed to power and keep notes. Knowing what is on each circuit could help you navigate an overload in the future. 

Overload do’s and don’ts 

• Here are some concrete steps to help prevent overloads: 
• Don’t overuse extension cords. 
• With the help of your home circuit map, move plug-in appliances to a circuit that is less used. 
• Make sure major appliances, like refrigerators, are plugged directly into a wall outlet, and never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for them. 
• Do not turn on too many things at once. 
• Replace incandescent or halogen lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce lighting loads. 
• Don’t view power strips as a solution: they don’t change the amount of power being received from the outlet. 
• Have a licensed electrician inspect your home. A heavy reliance on extension cords could indicate that you have too few outlets. 

KRAIG SHIREMAN is Safety and Loss Control Supervisor at Big Sandy RECC.